Critical appraisal of 232 consecutive distal pancreatectomies with emphasis on risk factors, outcome, and management of the postoperative pancreatic fistula: a 21-year experience at a single institution.
OBJECTIVE
To critically analyze a large single-institution experience with distal pancreatectomy (DP), with particular attention to the risk factors, outcome, and management of the postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
A total of 232 consecutive patients with pancreatic or extrapancreatic disease necessitating DP over 21 years.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients underwent spleen-preserving DP, 117 underwent DP with splenectomy, and 94 underwent DP with multiorgan resection.


METHODS
The perioperative and postoperative data of patients who underwent DP were analyzed. This included factors associated with postoperative morbidity with particular attention to the PF (defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula) and changing trends in operative and perioperative data during the study period.


RESULTS
The overall operative morbidity and mortality were 47% (107 patients) and 3% (7 patients), respectively. During the study period, the rates of resection increased from 3 cases to 23 per year, and increasingly these were performed for smaller and incidental lesions. The morbidity rate remained unchanged, but there was a decline in postoperative stay and the need for care in the intensive care unit. Pancreatic fistulas occurred in 72 patients (31%); 41 (18%) were grade A, 13 (6%) grade B, and 18 (8%) grade C. Increased weight, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, blood loss greater than 1 L, increased operation time, decreased albumin level, and sutured closure of the stump without main duct ligation were associated with a postoperative PF on univariate analysis. A DP with splenectomy was associated with a higher incidence of grade B or C PF and non-PF-related complications. Ninety-two percent of PFs were successfully managed nonoperatively. Clinical outcomes correlated well with PF grading, as evidenced by the progressive increase in outcome measures such as postoperative stay, readmissions, reoperations, radiologic interventions, and non-PF-related complications from grade A to C PFs.


CONCLUSIONS
Pancreatic fistula is the most common complication after DP and its incidence varies depending on the definition applied. Several risk factors for developing a PF were identified. Splenic preservation after DP is safe. The grade of a PF correlates well with clinical outcomes, and most PFs may be managed nonoperatively.
Goh
Brian K P
BK
Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. bsgkp@hotmail.com
Tan
Yu-Meng
YM
Chung
Yaw-Fui Alexander
YF
Cheow
Peng-Chung
PC
Ong
Hock-Soo
HS
Chan
Weng-Hoong
WH
Chow
Pierce K H
PK
Soo
Khee-Chee
KC
Wong
Wai-Keong
WK
Ooi
London L P J
LL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002423:Cause of Death; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010185:Pancreatic Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality; D011379:Prognosis; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012846:Singapore; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome